Governance
ECB insists eurozone bonds decision was its own
Political pressure played no part in ECB decision to buy bonds, says board member
Philly, Cleveland Fed presidents net inflation-busting pay rises
Federal Reserve's Annual Report shows ten out of 12 regional Fed presidents earned above-inflation salary increases
Securities and Exchange Commission appoints new chief financial officer
SEC's appointment of new chief financial officer follows criticisms last year from the US Government Accountability Office
RBA offshoot used prostitutes and bribes to win contracts: police witness alleges
Former employee of Securency, a Reserve Bank of Australia offshoot, alleges firm used bribes and prostitutes to win contracts to supply polymer substrate to foreign central banks
Iran's central bank faces sanctions squeeze
Iranian central bank's dealings could come under international spotlight if Security Council passes nuclear sanctions package
Hungarian prime minister-elect hints at Simor ouster
Hungary’s incoming prime minister gives clearest sign so far that András Simor’s days as central bank governor could be numbered; party wants a central bank that will stimulate economy
Malta's Bonello: Basel II amendments ambitious and far-reaching
Central Bank of Malta governor discusses new proposals to amend the Basel II requirements following lessons from financial crisis
Hungary’s Simor tells critical government to curb debt
National Bank of Hungary governor András Simor says high external and government debt levels must be corrected; central bank adds that growth cannot be financed through foreign borrowing anymore
Ireland’s Honohan says bank and government partnership key
Central Bank of Ireland governor Patrick Honohan says co-operation between banks and state is essential to credit markets
Philly Fed: trade declines in US recession normal
Philadelphia Federal Reserve study shows that inventories stock created a buffer following declines in post-crisis trade
Bond vote highlights flaws in ECB’s governance: Ex-FSA head Davies
Former head of UK Financial Services Authority Howard Davies says vote on bond purchases underlines flaws in European Central Bank’s one member, one vote policy
Venezuela tightens grip on FX in bid to close down unofficial market
Central Bank of Venezuela to attempt to curb the depreciation of the bolivar by taking control of foreign exchange
Trichet reaches out to German public
European Central Bank chief Jean-Claude Trichet participates in several interviews with German media to assuage fears over the central bank’s entry into bond markets
Ten issues for regulators to consider
René Smits devises ten key issues that European financial legislators must consider when constructing the post-crisis regulatory framework
Interview: Peter Praet
Fortis’s collapse all too well illustrated the difficulties in saving cross-border European banks. But the ideal solution, a European crisis resolution authority, remains a distant dream. However, there is an existing, yet perhaps unusual, candidate from…
Albania accused over hotel deal: reports
Albanian central bank buys country’s oldest hotel from government, opposition politician reportedly alleges misconduct
UK coalition gives Bank lead regulatory role
Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties agree to put Bank of England at the centre of financial regulation on Wednesday, stop short of abolishing FSA
Fed audit clause unanimously approved for reform bill
US lawmakers vote 96-0 in favour of including controversial amendment to audit the Fed in financial sector reform bill
Ex-governor Fraser knocks RBA’s rapid hikes
Former Reserve Bank of Australia chief Bernie Fraser says central bank has been too eager in its rate hikes given the European debt crisis and its potential impact on growth worldwide
'Audit the Fed’ clause weakened on independence fears
Senator who proposed full Fed audit drops demands to review discount window and open market operations, White House and Fed pressure seen as key
Controversial ‘audit the Fed’ amendment stirs blogosphere
Independent senator proposes clause that gives government audit office extensive powers to review Fed’s decisions, support mounts among lawmakers and commentators
Gono retains top job in new Zimbabwe board
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon Gono shock survivor of management cull; nine new board members appointed to improve governance standards